Chapter 14
Julia sat by the window, her knees tucked to her chest, the soft sound of rain tapping the glass. She held a letter in her hands—creased, worn, and never opened.
It had been hidden in one of her grandma's old scarves, found only by accident when Julia was searching for something warm to wear.
The envelope was addressed to her.
*To my sunshine, Julia.*
Her heart pounded.
She wasn't sure she was ready.
But something inside whispered, *open it.*
Her fingers trembled as she unfolded the paper.
*"My dearest Julia,*
*If you're reading this, it means I'm no longer there to hold your hand. But I hope you know—I never really left. I've watched you grow into a beautiful, kind, strong girl. You have a heart full of stories, and those stories will change the world someday.*
*Please don't be afraid of sadness. It only means you loved deeply. But don't let it steal your smile. Let yourself heal. Write. Dream. Keep your heart open.*
*You are not alone, my darling. And you never will be.*
**With all my love,
Grandma."**
Tears fell freely as Julia clutched the letter to her chest. She didn't hide them this time. She didn't apologize for them either.
The next morning, she pinned the letter to the Memory Tree—not to give it away, but to let others see the kind of love that stayed even after goodbye.
That day, when she smiled at school…
…it wasn't forced.
It was real.
And Amira saw it first. "That's the one I've been waiting for," she whispered, smiling back.